A KNIFEMAN who slashed and stabbed another man, leaving him with a deflated lung, has been jailed for four years.

David Peirson had been drinking and had taken some “blues” pills, when he assaulted two people, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 28-year-old’s behaviour became more erratic as he approached Krys Appleby, 25, holding four kitchen knives, then headbutted her. Craig Johnson, 31, became involved in the ensuing violence outside a home on Coltman Street, Middlesbrough, on July 10.

He told Peirson to “clear off” and witnesses saw him stripped to the waist, said prosecutor Paul Newcombe.. Peirson took a knife and lunged at Mr Johnson. He was seen swinging the knife 10 times. He stabbed Mr Johnson repeatedly to the chest with the six-inch serrated blade. Mr Johnson suffered a series of severe but not life-threatening injuries. He had three stab wounds, a deflated lung, three slashes to the neck and shoulder area and six slashes or scratches to his left arm. Peirson, of Garvin Close, Middlesbrough, initially denied the assaults, but later admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon. He thought he was under attack.

The day before the incident, he was given a suspended prison sentence for shoplifting.

When arrested he was found to be in possession of heroin, which earned him a four-week prison sentence. He had a previous conviction for affray.

Andrew Turton, defending, said Peirson was not usually aggressive and did not intend violence. He was in fear in a volatile situation after seeing his girlfriend and Ms Appleby fighting in the road. Two other men armed themselves with a knife and a pool cue.

He said Peirson was now drug-free and was tackling his problems. Judge David Bryant jailed him for four years.